Digital technologies are increasingly shaping responses to climate change. Tech-enabled early warning systems alert populations when storms are looming, while apps are helping farmers choose drought-resistant seeds. Yet nearly three billion people still need to be digitally connected, with the vast majority concentrated in low- and middle-income countries. The World Bank report, Green Digital Transformation: How to Sustainably Close the Digital Divide and Harness Digital Tools for Climate Action, guides how governments and stakeholders can effectively integrate digital tools to advance climate objectives and sustainably close the digital divide.
Key messages:
Digital technologies are critical to accelerate climate action, particularly in reducing emissions in the energy, transportation, and materials sectors. Technological innovation and digital solutions are pivotal in achieving the 2015 Paris Agreement's goals. Two-thirds of developing countries have already included technology in their climate action strategies.
The digital sector needs to be greener and more resilient. As countries increase their reliance on digital infrastructure, making these foundations climate-proof is vital to preventing weather related economic fallout. Industry must also improve energy efficiency and use more renewable energy inputs for digital operations.
Industry and government efforts are needed to propel green digital transformation. Multinational digital firms lead by example as they consume more renewable energy and invest in energy-efficiency. Governments promote greening of the digital sector through policies that facilitate access to cleaner energy. The next step is bringing digital and climate goals together by integrating climate considerations into digital policies, sustainably addressing the digital divide, and strategically incorporating digital technologies into climate change strategies.
This report was produced with funding support from the Digital Development Partnership (DDP) and the Korea Green Growth Trust Fund.